Want to make your skincare uncomplicated? Ignore these 5 products

If 2019 was the year of complicated multi-step beauty routines, 2020 wants to swing the pendulum in the opposite direction. ‘Skipcare’ is a big K-beauty trend that wants you to adopt a pared-down approach to skincare. Maybe your daily schedule doesn’t allow the luxury of spending time on a 12-step routine, or maybe the environmental implications of conspicuous consumption are concerning you. By simply allowing the essentials a spot in your daily getting-ready gig, you’ll find that it’s easier to maintain consistency and witness visible results. Instead of layering a precarious pyramid of products on your skin, it is time to Marie Kondo your skincare shelf—the experts are with you.

Beyond just blindly following a dozen steps in your everyday routine, Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal recommends personalising your skincare routine according to the needs of your skin. “Look closely at the products that you have hoarded or are currently a part of your everyday regimen. What is really necessary for your skin? A basic cleanser selected as per your skin type, broad spectrum sunscreen for the day and a night moisturiser suitable for your skin type are all absolute must-haves. It is essential to understand the needs of your skin and customise your products according to your age, skin condition and climatic changes,” she advises. If you’re trying to have a pared-down approach to skincare, here are the products she recommends you eliminate from your routine.

Scrubs

Contrary to popular belief, exfoliation is not an absolute must for everyone. If you have dry and irritable skin, it is always advisable to avoid a scrub. For oily or normal skin, you can skip the daily scrub as it can lead to irritation due to constant exfoliation. Exfoliating twice or thrice a week is adequate for most people, and chemical exfoliants can work just as well.

Eye cream

A dedicated eye cream is optional in the regular routine. I advise my patients to include the eye area when they are applying their regular products, such as moisturisers. If you’re witnessing puffiness or any other specific concerns around the eyes, then you can add a dedicated appropriate eye cream to your regimen.

Multiple serums and essences

Apart from being time-consuming, the process of layering too many products, especially in a humid environment, can be detrimental for the skin. A basic antioxidant-rich serum in the morning before sunscreen will serve the purpose of nourishing and protecting the skin. At night, pick up a hydrating moisturiser and a cream fortified with retinol peptide for ageing concerns, or with anti-acne agents for acne-prone skin.

Face oils

Facial oils are another popular addition to the everyday skincare routines around the world, but this additional step can be optional, depending on your skin type. In fact, those with congested skin can avoid most oils, as they can worsen the comedones and further contribute to acne.

Masks

No, you don’t need to stock your skincare cupboard with endless masks. You can do away with using these on a daily basis since they’re not mandatory additions to your routine. Often, overdoing the mask can disturb the skin or provide no additional benefits. So it is advisable to restrict the mask to once or twice a week.

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